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RECOMMENDED LOCATION OF ALARMS
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Locate the first smoke alarm in the immediate area of the bedrooms. Try to protect the exit path as
the bedrooms are usually farthest from an exit. If more than one sleeping area exists, locate
additional smoke alarms in each sleeping area. If a hall is more than 40 feet (12 meters) long,
install a smoke alarm at each end.
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Locate additional smoke alarms to protect any stairway as stairways act like chimneys for
smoke and heat.
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Locate at least one smoke alarm on every floor level.
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Locate a smoke alarm in any area where a smoker sleeps or where electrical appliances are
operated in sleeping areas.
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Smoke, heat and other combustion products rise to the ceiling and spread horizontally. Mounting
the smoke alarm on the ceiling in the center of the room places it closest to all points in the room.
Ceiling mounting is preferred in ordinary residential construction. However, in mobile homes, wall
mounting on an inside partition is preferred to avoid the thermal barrier that may form at the ceiling.
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When mounting smoke alarm on the ceiling, locate it a minimum of 4" (10cm) from a side wall or
corner (see Diagram A).
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When mounting smoke alarm on a wall, if local codes allow, use an inside wall with the top edge
of the smoke alarm a minimum of 4" (10cm) and a maximum of 12" (30.5cm) below the ceiling/
wall intersections (See Diagram A).
Mobile Home Installation:
For minimum protection, smoke alarms should be installed in compliance with H.U.D. Manufactured Home
Construction Safety Standards, Title 24 CFR, Section 3280.208 and Section 3282. For additional protection,
see Single Story Residence smoke alarm requirements/recommendations for Existing Homes and New
Construction Homes.
Note: For mobile homes built before 1978, install smoke alarms on inside walls between 4” and 12” from
the ceiling (older mobile homes have little or no insulation in the ceiling). This is especially important if the
ceiling is unusually hot or cold.
Install a smoke alarm inside each bedroom and in the hallway outside each separate sleeping area.
